Official Cast: Meet Bilbo and the Dwarves of ‘The Hobbit’

The ball is rolling now with ‘The Hobbit’, today director Peter Jackson announced a first wave of casting which included ‘The Office’ star Martin Freeman as hobbit hero Bilbo Baggins.

The other casting revelations of the day are a bunch of dwarves (in the film). The band of dwarves are played by a mix of English, Irish and New Zealand acting talent.

Playing the dwarves will be Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield, Rob Kazinsky as Fili, Aidan Turner as Kili, Graham McTavish as Dwalin, John Callen as Oin, Stephen Hunter as Bonbur, Mark Hadlow as Dori, and Peter Hambleton as Gloin.

Other actors expected to make a return in Peter Jackson’s ‘Hobbit’ films are Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Andy Serkis as Gollum/Smeagal.

So the question some of you may be asking is, who are these guys?

Bilbo Baggins played by Martin FreemanEnglish Actor – Born September 8th, 1971Previous Notable Roles: ‘The Office’ (TV), ‘Sherlock’ (TV), ‘The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (2005) and ‘Love Actually’ (2003). What Peter Jackson had to say: “Despite the various rumors and speculation surrounding this role, there has only ever been one Bilbo Baggins for us. There are a few times in your career when you come across an actor who you know was born to play a role, but that was the case as soon as I met Martin. He is intelligent, funny, surprising and brave – exactly like Bilbo and I feel incredibly proud to be able to announce that he is our Hobbit.”

Thorin Oakenshield played by Richard Armitage English Actor – Born August 22nd, 1971 Previous Notable Roles: ‘Robin Hood’ (TV), ‘Cold Feet’ (TV), ‘Spooks’ (TV) and ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011). What Peter Jackson had to say: “Richard is one of the most exciting and dynamic actors working on screen today and we know he is going to make an amazing Thorin Oakensheild. We cannot wait to start this adventure with him and feel very lucky that one of the most beloved characters in Middle-earth is in such good hands.”

Kili played by Aidan Turner Irish Actor – Born June 19th, 1983 Previous Notable Roles: ‘Desperate Romantics’ (TV) and ‘Being Human’ (TV). What Peter Jackson had to say: Adian is a wonderfully gifted young actor who hails from Ireland. I’m sure he will bring enormous heart and humor to the role of Kili.”

Fili played by Robert Kazinsky English Actor – Born November 18th, 1983 Previous Notable Roles: Sean Slater in ‘Eastenders’ (TV), ‘Dream Team’ (TV) and George Lucas’ project ‘Red Tails’. What Peter Jackson had to say: “Rob is an extremely talented young actor with a huge career in front of him, I’m thrilled that he has agreed to take on the role of Fili. Besides his talent as an actor, Rob is also a champion sword fighter; I’m looking forward to seeing the damage he can do to a horde of marauding Goblins!”

Dwalin played by Graham McTavish Scottish Actor – Born 1961 Previous Notable Roles: ‘The Bill’ (TV), ‘Lost’ (TV), ‘Rambo’ (2008), ‘Prison Break’ (TV), ’24’ (TV), and ‘Secretariat’ (2010). What Peter Jackson had to say: “Graham is a terrific actor, with a great depth of experience, which I know he will bring to the role of ‘Dwalin'”

Dori played by Mark Hadlow New Zealand Actor – Born 1957 Previous Notable Roles: ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ (TV), ‘King Kong’ (2005), and ‘No Petrol! No Diesel’ (2009). What Peter Jackson had to say: “I have worked with Mark Hadlow on many projects; he is a fantastic actor. I am thrilled to be working with both of them on these movies”

Oin played by John Callen New Zealand Actor – Born: Unknown Mostly voice acting on such shows as ‘Power Rangers’ and for ‘Star Wars’ video games.

There are still more dwarves yet to be cast, plus a whole host of other characters, so we will keep you posted.

English actor Bill Nighy has been tipped to voice the dragon Smaug in the film, while actors James Nesbit and Michael Fassbender had also been mentioned. Note the date on this article may be incorrect due to importing it from our old system.